Think TankThanksgiving EditionIssue 2

To my friends and readers: Here we are, gathered together again for another issue of “Think Tank.” Everyone will be happy to know that we have two new subscribers adding to the base of power and knowledge (which are at times inseparable.) In the interest of getting everyone on the same page, I will summarize what this is all about. It may or may not provide a clearer picture, so if you already have a handle on what we are doing here, skip the next two paragraphs. For the new readers, the next two paragraphs are for you. Actually, the whole newsletter is for you. The past few months have been difficult for me. I have had some things happen, which 12 months ago, I would have thought impossible. Luckily, these events have been like the hammer that has begun to strengthen metal against the forge. Even better, they have shown the power of friends. Often, we don’t know what we have until we are faced with a crisis or crises which threaten to overwhelm us. To show us what we have, I have established this newsletter. The goal here is loosely defined as “anything goes.” I want everyone to feel as though they are an integral part of the process here. You can be. Your contributions are what will make this newsletter great; your ideas, your stories, your poems, whatever it is you wish to contribute. (Otherwise, I could rename the “Think Tank,” “Shad’s Soapbox.”) A secondary function – and a more important one – is to provide a forum for problem solving. If you need an answer, an assortment of opinions or anything else, ask us. We may not be able to help, but I am sure that we will do our best. Again, I hope that makes it as clear as it can be, but… For some reason, this issue wanted to be about success, or the lack thereof. So there will be a couple of articles leaning in that direction. I am looking to publishing a Christmas edition, but with finals and work, do not be surprised if it becomes a Ground Hog’s Day issue. I will do my best. Remember, if you have decided that this isn’t something you want to be involved in, let me know, and I will take you off the mailing list. Otherwise, enjoy this issue.